Thunder Bay, ON – Today, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) stands in solidarity with Inuit women and their families in Nunavik as they received an apology from Canada for the killing of their qimmit, or sled dogs. In the 1950’s and 1960’s tens of thousands of dogs were slaughtered in front of their families as part of the colonial violence committed against Inuit across Inuit Nunangat. This was intended to destroy their traditional lifestyles and force them into permanent settlements.
ONWA is pleased to see the federal government continuing to acknowledge the harm that their actions have caused to Inuit women and their families. In 2019, Canada apologized to Inuit in the Qikiqtani region of Nunavut for colonial practices imposed on Inuit from 1950 to 1975, including the killing of sled dogs, forced relocations and family separation.
“Killing these dogs was an attack on our identities and our way of life as Inuit. Our communities are still working to recover from the trauma and loss of traditional ways.” – Roxanne Ruediger, Director of Corporate Services, ONWA
“Recognizing the harm that was caused and accepting responsibility is an important first step in recasting the story of Canada’s history,” stated Cora McGuire-Cyrette, CEO, ONWA, “but we need more than just words – we need action to end the ongoing violence perpetuated against Inuit by state institutions such as child welfare and police, and sustainable investment to support community healing.”
For more information and media inquiries, contact:
Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager
Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)
Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca
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